This isn’t too big of a problem for large ships since they have dedicated engine rooms with space to work with. On the other hand, inboard motors are located under the boat and are only accessible through a hatch or a door. They can even be removed to be brought to a shop for repairs. Outboard motors are easily accessible since they are located on the outside. The main drawback of inboard motors is the difficulty in servicing them once something goes wrong.

It adds another layer of complexity but gives the freedom of having the pilot sit up front. Since an inboard motor cannot change its directionality, a separate rudder is needed to steer the boat. But it is necessary for the pilot to sit at the stern of the boat. A lower center of gravity makes the boat more stable and less likely to capsize when hit by a strong wave or if the weight on top moves to one side.Īn outboard motor is rather simple and often doesn’t require a separate rudder since the motor itself is turned to change directions. Ultimately, the choice between an inboard/outboard and an outboard motor comes down to your personal preference. Inboard motors also provide a lower center of gravity compared to outboard motors where the weight of the motor is mounted fairly high. Having too big of an outboard motor can make the boat unbalanced. Being mounted in the center, the weight of the inboard motor is more evenly distributed compared to an outboard motor which is mounted on the rear. This is mainly because of the position of the motor in the boat. There are quite a few considerations in choosing either type of motor, and one is sometimes better than the other for certain needs.Ī boat can typically accommodate bigger and more powerful inboard motors than outboard motors. Outboard motors are mounted outside the hull on the stern of the boat while inboard motors are mounted inside the hull and often in the center of the boat. There are two common types of boat motors, and their names are derived in the way that they are attached to the boat.

Inboard vs outboard vs inboard outboard